HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN 10.24.2017 CC-RAnd Minutes of Meeting of the
Governing Body of the
City of Georgetown, Texas
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
The Georgetown City Council will meet on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at 6:00 PM at the Council Chambers at 101
E. 7th St., Georgetown, Texas
The city of Georgetown is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you
require assistance in participating at a public meeting due to a disability, as defined under the ADA, reasonable
assistance, adaptations, or accommodations will be provided upon request. Please contact the City Secretary's
Office, at least three (3) days prior to the scheduled meeting date, at (512) 930-3652 or City Hall at 113 East 8th
Street for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
Mayor Ross called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. All Councilmembers were in attendance, with the exception of
Steve Fought, Councilmember District 4. Mayor Dale Ross, Anna Eby, District 1, Valerie Nicholson, District 2,
John Hesser, District 3, Ty Gipson, District 5, Rachael Jonrowe, District 6, and Tommy Gonzalez, District 7 were in
attendance.
Regular Session
(This Regular session may, at any time, be recessed to convene an Executive Session for any purpose authorized by
the Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code 551.)
A. Call to Order
Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance
Comments from the Mayor
- Community Planning Month Proclamation
Mayor Ross spoke on the recent GridNext Conference held at the Sheraton in Georgetown, featuring Vice
President Al Gore as the keynote speaker. He mentioned the great contributions from Jim Briggs, Chris Foster
and Mike Babin. Ross noted that Georgetown was featured on German TV recently, in a news program similar
to 60 Minutes. He noted that it was a very favorable story on Georgetown and all it has to offer.
City Council Regional Board Reports
Councilmember Eby said that she had attended the CAMPO meeting held Monday, October 16th. She noted that
the Transportation Policy Board had approved the 2045 Regional Active Transportation Plan which relates to
pedestrian and bicycle facilities for the entire region.
Announcements
- Georgetown Parks and Recreation Halloween Festival
Action from Executive Session
No motions were taken from Executive Session.
Mayor Ross announced that Item P had been pulled from the agenda.
Statutory Consent Agenda
The Statutory Consent Agenda includes non -controversial and routine that may be acted upon with one single vote.
An item may be pulled from the Consent Agenda in order that it be discussed and acted upon individually as part of
the Regular Agenda.
B. Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes of the Workshop and Regular Meeting held on
Tuesday, October 10, 2017 -- Shelley Nowling, City Secretary
C. Consideration and possible to approve a Master Services Agreement for Engineering Professional Services
with Walker Partners, LLC of Austin, TX -- Wesley Wright, P.E., Systems Engineering Director
D. Consideration and possible action to approve an annual appropriation of $51,000.00 to Electsolve
Technology Solutions and Services, Inc. for annual software maintenance on the City's uCentra Meter Data
Management System -- Chris Bryce, IT Director
E. Consideration and possible action to approve an annual appropriation of $50,000.00 to Environmental
Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI) for software maintenance expenses on the ESRI suite of geographic
information system software -- Chris Bryce, IT Director
F. Consideration and possible action to approve an annual appropriation of $75,000.00 to EST Group for annual
hardware support on the Dell Compellent storage area network, the primary storage device for all IT systems -
- Chris Bryce, IT Director
G. Consideration and possible action to approve an annual appropriation of $106,000.00 to Infor Public Sector,
Inc. for IT software maintenance expenses related to the Infor Enterprise Asset Management (EAM)
system -- Chris Bryce, IT Director
H. Consideration and possible action to approve an annual appropriation of $95,000.00 to Itineris North
America, Inc. for annual software maintenance expenses on the UMAX customer information system
(CIS) -- Chris Bryce, IT Director
I, Consideration and possible action to approve an annual appropriation of $95,000.00 to Presidio Networked
Solutions, Inc. for annual maintenance expenses on Cisco branded servers, network equipment, and
phone system -- Chris Bryce, IT Director
J. Consideration and possible action to approve an annual appropriation of $100,000.00 to the Stewart
Organization for managed printer/copier services -- Chris Bryce, IT Director
K. Consideration and possible action to approve an annual appropriation of $75,000.00 to Suddenlink
Communications for the annual cost of Internet service provision and dedicated fiber optic cables -- Chris
Bryce, IT Director
L. Consideration and possible action to approve an annual appropriation of $172,000.00 to Superion LLC for
annual software maintenance expenses for the Superion One Solution CAD/RMS system (Public Safety
Computer Aided Dispatch System) -- Chris Bryce, IT Director
M. Consideration and possible action to approve an annual appropriation of $60,000.00 to West Monroe
Partners for annual costs related to the management of the Microsoft BizTalk enterprise service bus used
for integrating and consolidating enterprise software systems -- Chris Bryce, IT Director
N. Forwarded from the Georgetown Transportation Advisory Board (GTAB):
Consideration and possible action to approve Task Order B&M 18-001 and B&M 18-002 for the professional
services related to the Solid Waste Transfer Station Master Plan Study with Burns and McDonnell of
Austin, Texas in the amount not to exceed $197,860.00 --Jordan Fengel, Environmental Service Programs
Coordinator; and Octavio Garza, P.E., Director of Public Works
O. Forwarded from the Georgetown Utility Systems Advisory Board (GUS):
Consideration and possible action to approve the purchase of sewer inspection camera system's
Envirosight from Green Equipment Co., Inc., of Fort Worth, TX, in the amount of $147,000.00 -- Glenn W.
Dishong, Utility Director
P. Forwarded from the Georgetown Utility Systems Advisory Board (GUS):
Consideration and possible action to approve a contract with Elster Solutions, LLC "Honeywell" to provide
Energy Axis AMI water modules and related items for the Advance Metering Infrastructure system in the
estimated amount of $415,000.00 — Rosemary Ledesma, CPPD, Purchasing Manager and Glenn Dishong Utility
Director
Item P was pulled from the agenda.
Q. Forwarded from the Georgetown Utility Systems Advisory Board (GUS):
Consideration and possible action to approve Task Order CDM -18-001 with CDM Smith, Inc. of Austin, Texas,
for professional services to renew the wastewater treatment plant permits in the amount of $81,500.00 --
Glenn W. Dishong, Utility Director
R. Forwarded from the Georgetown Utility Systems Advisory Board (GUS):
Consideration and possible action to procure consulting services with Neil McAndrews and Associates for
Resource Price Risk Management in the amount of $150,000.00 -- Chris Foster, Manager of Resource
Planning and Integration
S. Forwarded from the Georgetown Utility Systems Advisory Board (GUS):
Consideration and possible action to award a contract to E.J. Chris Contracting, Inc. of Live Oak, Texas for
the rehabilitation of the Airport Reuse Water Ground Storage Tank in the amount of $417,000.00 -- Wesley
Wright, P.E., Systems Engineering Director and Michael Hallmark, CIP Manager.
T. Forwarded from the Georgetown Utility Systems Advisory Board (GUS):
Consideration and possible action to award a contract for the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone (EARZ)
Wastewater System Rehabilitation 2017 to PM Construction & Rehab, LLC of Pasadena, TX in the amount
of $260,875.00 -- Wesley Wright, P.E., Systems Engineering Director and Michael Hallmark, C I P Manager.
U. Forwarded from the Georgetown Utility Systems Advisory Board (GUS):
Consideration and possible action to approve Task Order TCI -18-003 to Terracon Consultants, Inc. of Austin,
TX in the amount of $98,000.00 for geotechnical engineering services related to the Berry Creek Interceptor
--Wesley Wright, P.E., Systems Engineering Director
V. Forwarded from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PAREB):
Consideration and possible action to approve a contract with Convergint Technologies of Austin, TX for a fire
suppression system in Garey House in the amount of $152,116.72 -- Kimberly Garrett, Parks and Recreation
Director
W. Forwarded from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PAREB):
Consideration and possible action to approve Change Order #3 with Ritter-Botkin Prime Construction
Company Inc. of Pflugerville, Texas in the amount of $125,663.66 for additional grading and construction of
a deceleration lane for Garey Park -- Kimberly Garrett, Parks and Recreation Director
X. Consideration and possible action to approve a Public Park Maintenance Agreement with Teravista
Community Association, Inc. -- Kimberly Garrett, Parks and Recreation Director
Motion by Gonzalez, second by Gipson, to approve the Statutory Consent Agenda in its entirety, with the
exception of Item P, which was pulled from the agenda.
Approved: 6-0 (Fought absent)
Legislative Regular Agenda
Y. Forwarded from the Georgetown Transportation Advisory Board (GTAB):
Consideration and possible action to approve Task Order KPA-18-001 to Kasberg, Patrick, and Associates,
LP of Georgetown, TX in the amount of $533,072.00 for Pavement Condition Indices and Five Year Street
Maintenance Program -- Wesley Wright, P.E., Systems Engineering Director
Systems Engineering Director, Wesley Wright, spoke on pavement condition indices and the five year street
maintenance program. He explained that the City is committed to maintaining streets at a certain level. He said
this also helps the City's bond rating. Wright said that a key part of the process is sending a specialized vehicle
to examine every inch of all city roads, which then makes recommendations for a treatment course, based on the
City's preferred methods. He explained that this is used to gather the raw data at this point.
Wright read the caption.
Motion by Jonrowe, second by Gonzalez, to approve Item Y
Council member Jonrowe asked about the highly specialized van. Wright said it is nondescript in appearance,
but has sensors and cameras on the under carriage and back which take pictures, analyzes conditions and
makes recommendations for all lane miles in the City. Wright noted that there is a picture of the vehicle on page
29 of 73 in the agenda packet. Jonrowe asked if it picks up pictures of loose gravel on the road. Wright
confirmed. He explained that the devices would be able to tell if the surface is in good condition or not. He said it
would not pick up loose gravel, necessarily, but will have a good analysis of the condition of the road.
Approved: 6-0 (Fought absent)
Z. Forwarded from the Georgetown Utility Systems Advisory Board (GUS):
Consideration and possible action to approve Task Order WPL-18-001 with Walker Partners, LLC of Austin, TX
in the amount of $1,551,075.00 for professional engineering services related to the Berry Creek Interceptor -
- Wesley Wright, P.E., Systems Engineering Director
Systems Engineering Director, Wesley Wright, spoke on professional engineering services related to the Berry
Creek Interceptor. He explained that the project is well into design and easement acquisition and tonight's item
is for the 42 inch wastewater line that will run from Airport Road to the Pecan Branch treatment plant and will be
serving Sun City, Georgetown Village and the Shell Road area, the Berry Creek area and Airport Road. Wright
said the Homestead development will partner with the City in some of this, but it is something the City needs,
regardless. Wright spoke highly of Walker Partners and their subs and said he is looking forward to working with
them.
Wright read the caption.
Motion by Nicholson, second by Gipson, to approve Item Z
Jonrowe asked about the construction of this project. Wright said this is not for construction, only design, and
the final alignment has not yet been determined. He said that, generally, wastewater lines follow the creek.
Wright noted that the task order will help determine this. Jonrowe asked if a different engineering study would be
needed if a different alignment was determined. Wright said there would not be a need for a different
engineering study. He said this analysis is set up to study potential alternatives. Wright explained that this will be
the cheapest alternative and the alternative with the least risk to the environment, but all alternatives will be
examined.
Approved: 6-0 (Fought absent)
AA. Forwarded from the General Government and Finance Advisory Board (GGAF):
Consideration and possible action to approve the purchase of an Aerial Ladder Truck from Siddons-Martin
Emergency Group through the Buy -Board Contract #491-15 for a cost not to exceed $1,400,000.00 -- John
Sullivan, Fire Chief
Fire Chief, John Sullivan, spoke on the purchase of an aerial ladder truck. He explained that this is brought
forward as a replacement vehicle for a 2005 vehicle. Sullivan spoke on a ten year front line status on the
vehicle. He explained that an analysis was conducted for assessment of the best type of vehicle to purchase,
with an intent to try to reduce wear and tear on equipment. He noted that the vehicle's capabilities are much
better, meeting the new demographics of the City's growth.
Sullivan read the caption.
Motion by Jonrowe, second by Gonzalez, to approve Item AA.
Councilmember Gonzalez said he liked the explanation of the vast improvement of safety and other provisions.
Approved: 6-0 (Fought absent)
AB. First Reading of an Ordinance Renaming the 800 Block through 1500 Block of FM 1460 to Old 1460 Trail --
Edward G. Polasek, AICP, Transportation Planning Coordinator (action required)
Ed Polasek, Transportation Planning Coordinator, spoke on the renaming of the 800 through 1500 blocks of
FM1460. He noted that this had first been brought to Council in September. Polasek said that staff had met
with property owners and compiled suggestions. He explained that the ballot responses returned were
overwhelmingly in favor of naming the section of the road "Old 1460 Trail".
Polasek read the caption.
Motion by Jonrowe, second by Eby, to approve Item AB.
Approved: 6-0 (Fought absent)
AC. Second Reading of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Georgetown, Texas granting to American
Medical Response of Texas, Inc. DBA American Medical Response (AMR) a franchise to operate a medical
transfer service -- John Sullivan, Fire Chief (action required)
Fire Chief, John Sullivan, spoke on granting American Medical Response of Texas a franchise to operate a
medical transfer service. He explained that this would allow the transport of an intensive care response team
from St. David's hospital in Austin to St. David's hospital in Georgetown for pediatric and neo -natal select
emergencies.
Sullivan read the caption
Motion by Jonrowe, second by Gonzalez, to approve Item AC
Approved: 6-0 (Fought absent)
Mayor Ross thanked Chief Sullivan for the invitation the he and Council had received to the graduation ceremony
held last week. Sullivan said they had celebrated 7 firefighters who have finished their first year and have
received their official badge, placed on them by their family members. Sullivan said promotions were also
celebrated, which included two officers promoted to the Lieutenant Rank, two driver engineer positions and two
paramedics who had completed their training to become firefighters, as well.
AD. Second Reading of an Ordinance amending Chapter 10.04 entitled "Riding of Unicycles, Bicycles,
Velocipedes and Similar Non -Motor Assisted Vehicles;" amending Section 10.04.010 entitled "Duties and
Authority of the Traffic Engineer" relating to designation of fifteen (15) minute parking zones; amending
Section 10. 16.150 entitled "Downtown Parking Zone" adding Section 10. 16.085 entitled "Fifteen Minute
Parking Zone;" and directing the Traffic Engineer to erect appropriate signs indicating such zones -- Mark
Miller, Transportation Services Manager and Octavio Garza, Public Works Director (action required)
Mark Miller, Transportation Services Manager, described the downtown parking zones proposed for three hour
parking and 15 minute parking and the management and enforcement of the zones. He said that staff had
visited with the business owners and all are in favor of the proposed changes. Miller spoke on the benefits of the
15 minutes parking zones.
Miller read the caption
Motion by Jonrowe, second by Eby, to approve Item AD
Approved: 6-0 (Fought absent)
AE. Second Reading of an Ordinance amending Chapter 2.20 entitled "Ethics" of the Code of Ordinance of the
City of Georgetown relating to ethics rules applicable to city officials; repealing conflicting ordinances and
resolutions; providing a severability clause; providing for a penalty as stated in Section 1.08.010 of the Code of
Ordinances; providing for publication and setting an effective date -- Charlie McNabb, City Attorney (action
required)
City Attorney, Charlie McNabb, described the proposed amendments to the City's Ethics Ordinance. He said the
proposed amendments put the local ordinance in compliance with state law and repeals most of the local
provisions. McNabb said that the City is required by City Charter to have such an ordinance.
McNabb read the caption.
Motion by Gonzalez, second by Gipson, to approve Item AE.
Councilmember Nicholson asked McNabb for clarification if the amendments would mean there would no longer
be an Ethics Commission and what relation this has to the next agenda item regarding the appointment of an
Ethics Ad Hoc Committee. McNabb said discussion had been that the committee would be given direction to
study the ethics ordinance again and make recommendations to the Council for provision insertions. Mayor
Ross asked if the committee could recommend having an Ethics Commission. McNabb confirmed.
Councilmember Jonrowe asked if state ethics laws apply to city officials and employees and boards and
commissions members. McNabb explained that state law would apply to officials but not employees or boards
and commission members. McNabb said that Council discussion had indicated that Council wanted the laws to
apply to advisory boards, so language stating this has been left in the amended local ordinance. Jonrowe asked
if state ethics law would apply to officials, direct hires and board members if this ordinance passes. McNabb
confirmed.
Councilmember Hesser asked about direct hires and if this would apply to consultants. McNabb explained that
the ethics laws would apply to the Council's direct hires, the City Manager, City Attorney and City Secretary.
Eby said this is a mess. She said she wants to be clear that the issue came about because the Planning and
Zoning Commission could not take action when members had to file conflicts of interest. Eby said following the
bare bones of state law is not enough and Georgetown should be held to a higher standard. She noted that
getting rid of the ethics ordinance can't be the right thing to do. Eby added that there is a procedure in place to
have the Ethics Commission look at problem issues and make recommendations to the Council. She said
getting rid of the ordinance, only to piece meal it back up, will only lower the standards. Eby said this is
concerning and asked her colleagues not to vote for this action. She suggested making a motion to ask staff to
go the Ethics Commission for discussion and analysis, and then take action.
Councilmember Gonzalez said he disagrees and that an Ad Hoc Committee will evaluate and make
recommendations. He said that he believes it should be taken down to a base model and built up. Gonzalez
said there is currently no penalty for a violation, and the City needs a much stronger ordinance. He noted that
the current ordinance is vague and left to too much interpretation.
Gipson said he sees Councilmember Eby's point. He said he has visited with Ethics Commission members. He
said he believes that, over time, the ordinance has become too complicated and, after discussion with members
of the Ethics Commission, he understands that some things are convoluted. Gipson said it is important and
critical to have this reviewed immediately and suggested a 60 day limit.
Councilmember Jonrowe said she has respect for the citizens and Council of 2001 who originally set the
ordinance. She noted that they all put in a lot of time and thought into crafting the ordinance. She explained that
there have not been many recommendations from the Commission because Council has not asked them for
direction. Jonrowe said the Council should give them the direction they need and they will rise to the occasion.
Jonrowe said it could be questioned "why now" and why were so many people having conflicts of interest on the
Planning & Zoning Commission. She said she is concerned about the reaction from the public and that it could
be interpreted as a possibility to do something for political gain. Jonrowe said the Ethics Commission should
study the issues.
Approved: 4-2 (Eby, Jonrowe opposed, Fought absent)
AF. Consideration and possible action to appoint an Ad -Hoc Ethics Committee, consisting of the members of the
most recent Ethics Commission -- Charlie McNabb, City Attorney
City Attorney, Charlie McNabb, spoke on appointing the most recent Ethics Commission as members of an Ad -
Hoc Ethics Committee to make recommendations to the Council about possible ethics amendments.
McNabb read the caption.
Motion by Gonzalez, second by Gipson, to approve Item AF.
Approved: 4-2 (Eby, Jonrowe opposed, Fought absent)
Project Updates
AG. Project updates and status reports regarding current and future transportation and traffic project; street, sidewalk,
and other infrastructure projects; police, fire and other public safety projects; economic development projects;
city facility projects; and downtown projects including parking enhancements, city lease agreements, sanitation
services, and possible direction to city staff -- Jim Briggs, Assistant City Manager and General Manager of
Utilities
Mayor Ross asked Assistant City Manager, Jim Briggs, if he had any project updates to report. Briggs said the
projects had been covered in the CIP Item at the earlier City Council workshop meeting.
Public Wishing to Address Council
On a subject that is posted on this agenda: Please fill out a speaker registration form which can be found on the
table at the entrance to the Council Chamber. Clearly print your name and the letter of the item on which you wish
to speak and present it to the City Secretary on the dais, preferably prior to the start of the meeting. You will be
called forward to speak when the Council considers that item.
On a subject not posted on the agenda: Persons may add an item to a future City Council agenda by contacting the
City Secretary no later than noon on the Wednesday prior to the Tuesday meeting, with the subject matter of the
topic they would like to address and their name. The City Secretary can be reached at 512/930-3651.
AH - Barbra Sonnen-Hernandez would like to address the City Council regarding the IOOF Cemetery
Sonnen-Hernandez spoke on maintenance and regulations issues at the Cemetery and asked that they be addressed.
Al. - Wendy Dew would like to address the City Council regarding the new 20 year Airport Master Plan. Carl Norris also signed
up to speak and gave Dew his 3 minutes of speaking time, allowing her to speak for 6 minutes.
Dew spoke on concerns with the new 20 Year Airport Master Plan. She and Carl Norris asked that her comments be added
to these minutes. The comments have been attached.
Executive Session
In compliance with the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551, Government Code, Vernon's Texas Codes, Annotated, the
items listed below will be discussed in closed session and are subject to action in the regular session.
AJ. Sec. 551.071: Consultation with Attorney
Advice from attorney about pending or contemplated litigation and other matters on which the attorney has a duty to advise the
City Council, including agenda items
Sec. 551:074: Personnel Matters
City Manager, City Attorney, City Secretary and Municipal Judge: Consideration of the appointment, employment, evaluation,
reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal
Sec. 551:067: Deliberations Regarding Economic Development Negotiations
- Project Cat
- Project Coin
Adjournment
Motion by Gonzalez, second by Gipson, to adjourn the meeting. Mayor Ross adjourned the meeting at 7.02 PM.
Approved by the Georgetown City Council on
Date
Dale Ross, Mayor
Attest: City n
t
Georgetown City Council Meeting
October 24, 2017
Good evening Mr. Mayor and members of the Georgetown City Council. My name is Wendy
Dew. My address is 30109 Spyglass Circle,Georgetown, TX 78628. I am a member of the Airport
Concerned Citizens (ACC). My comments this evening were made to the GTAB at its last
meeting and I was encouraged to provide them also to you. These comments address the constant
lack of concern for the voice of your citizens and proper protocol for development of the new 20
year (2016-2036) Airport Master Plan Update by Coffman Associates.
This new 20 year master plan update totally ignores vitally important history of the airport
beginning with the 1980 FAA funded master plan by Bovay Engineers. A small group of
"unelected" city council appointees to the Airport Advisory Board, in secret without proper input
from the general public, decided to begin development of the airport from its then socially
acceptable status into a reliever airport to service the entire Central Texas region. To initiate this
development, FAA and the State of Texas funded a multimillion dollars 14 year construction
program that included more than doubling the strength, widening the width and major length
extension of Runway 18-36, dangerously realigning a major city roadway, taking of multiple
parcels of private property and other costly state and federal funded facilities all in violation of a
Department of Transportation regulation, two presidential Executive Orders and FAA NEPA
compliance orders with no federal structured public meetings. These so called "improvements"
resulted in a roar of citizen environmental damage complaints over the years. Similar violations
of federal laws and regulations with full knowledge by these state and federal officials of public
health, safety and environmental hazard illicit Categorical Exclusion concerns were committed in
program implementations of master plan updates of 1998 and 2005.
This year a seven member Planning Advisory Committee was appointed to oversee development
of this new airport master plan. Two members were designated to represent the "public". These
two members have remained anonymous to the public, never offered their services to their
general public citizens to represent their views and concerns, have refused any public dialog
workshops with the public, refused to provide any phone numbers, email or postal addresses for
receipt of public comments and concerns and have never spoken on behalf of public concerns at
any posted meetings with Coffman Associates. Their only interest appears to proceed with all
haste to build the biggest, baddest airport in Central Texas right over our heads with no thought
of public safety, health and environmental hazard concerns and objections. Only two public
workshops have been provided to date in which the public could actually participate and submit
concerns to the consultant, and as usual all our comments and concerns were brushed away.
In these workshops citizens have been advised that though the citizens may own the airport,
TxDOT and FAA will build it anyway they desire and our citizen duties are to continue paying
local, state and federal taxes for that effort. Otherwise, shut up or move away.
Now, the city is revising the city's 2030 master plan in which the airport plan is an integral part.
The city has requested through local social media for citizens suggestions for a revised master
plan vision statement that will capture the city's identity, aspirations, and directions as a
community. This is ironic because the city's airport planning will result in a future city of
200,000 or more with a dangerous, life threatening regional airport serving both public and
military aviation located in the very center of this community. The actual vision of our city to the
outside world will be one of amazed disbelief that any city in its right mind would develop this
monstrosity that accommodates 764 planned take offs and landings operations a day up to the
new airport planned year of 2036 with larger numbers to follow during the city's new planning
period by aircraft up to 150,000 lb gross weight, swirling and droning low over homes, schools,
churches, hospitals, business and civic centers, spewing deadly residues of toxic leaded aviation
fuel over inhabited areas polluting the people and water resources of our community. Not to
mention debilitating noise, placing the public in dire danger from air crashes and a host of other
safety, health and environmental consequences. "Why" would they ask "would any city not plan
and begin development of an alternate, safer, superior airport in a special zoned and controlled
rural area at the time of the 2016-2036 airport plan when options and resources were available to
do so potentially at no cost to the taxpayers?" Coffman and Associates states that it would cost
350 million dollars to move this reliever airport, I did some checking on numbers and St. George
Utah built a new international airport on the outside of their city for 150 million.
The ACC has requested multiple times in the past for the GTAB to establish open workshops
with the public for discussions regarding airport planning and development. Currently, TxDOT
has no plans for preparation of a fully scoped Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for this
new airport planned construction program. That means again — no federally structured public
hearings or meetings. This is a request for the city council to follow the law and direct the GTAB
to sponsor NEPA structured public meetings for this new 20 year airport master plan to make
sure the citizens are heard, adverse impacts are understood, mitigation measures and alternatives
are examined for community awareness and protection.
IT'S ONLY YOUR JOB!!!! folks.